Built by Two Moms.
Made for Families.

Maria & Isabella

Play First started with a simple idea: what if there was a place that was just as fun for the grown-ups as it was for the kids?

Maria McGinness and Isabella VanLierop — two moms, two friends, one big dream — built Play First to be exactly that. Nostalgic, real, fun, no boring play spaces.

Maria and Isabella met at the park in the trenches of postpartum, both searching for connection, support, and a community for themselves and their children. That simple moment sparked a vision: to create a welcoming space where parents can come together, build friendships, and feel supported through every stage of parenthood.

Our goal is to make connection, play, and community accessible to all families—a place where children can grow, parents can recharge, and everyone feels like they belong.

The Space

Our Hamilton, NJ location is thoughtfully designed as a welcoming, family-friendly space where children can play, explore, and create while parents feel comfortable and connected. With dedicated play areas for different ages, engaging activities, cozy spaces to relax, and plenty of room for imagination and movement, our space offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort for the whole family. Whether you're here for open play, a special event, or time with friends, you'll find a clean, safe, and inviting environment where everyone can enjoy their time together.

Our Why

Play First exists because childhood should be loud, messy, and full of wonder — and parenthood should still have room for fun. We built this space for the kids who need to run, climb, and imagine, and for the grown-ups who needed a place to exhale.

We believe play isn't a luxury. It's how kids learn, connect, and grow. And when families have a place to belong, everyone thrives.

This is more than a play space. It's a community — and we're just getting started.